The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Friday called for a comprehensive investigation into the alleged theft of donations meant for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, asserting that those found responsible must face the strictest punishment. At the same time, it appealed to Hindus to remain patient and not allow the incident to be exploited by what it described as "anti-Hindu and anti-national forces".
In a statement, RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale said the alleged theft had deeply shaken the sentiments of devotees and warranted exceptional action from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which manages the temple. "It is essential to ensure that anyone found guilty after the investigation faces severe punishment," Hosabale said.
Describing the incident as "highly condemnable", he said it was only natural for the Hindu community, including the RSS, to expect the Trust to treat the matter with the seriousness it deserved. Hosabale also urged the Trust to address any shortcomings in the temple's administration and management to restore public confidence.
"This is crucial to ensure that the faith and reverence of crores of Ram devotees in the Ayodhya temple remain unbroken and steadfast. The current state of confusion and uncertainty must end… In this regard, we expect the temple management and the government-appointed SIT (Special Investigation Team) to take all necessary initiatives," he said.
The RSS leader further appealed to devotees to exercise restraint while the investigation was underway. He said Hindus should show "necessary patience and restraint to thwart the conspiracies of anti-Hindu and anti-national forces seeking to malign the Hindu dharma and society by exploiting this unfortunate incident."
Calling the Ram Temple a symbol of faith built through decades of struggle and sacrifice, Hosabale said the alleged theft had caused widespread anguish among devotees. "The unfortunate incident of theft in the donation boxes kept at the Shri Ram Lalla temple in Ayodhya has deeply hurt the sentiments and faith of the entire society and Ram devotees. We are all extremely pained and angered," he said.
The RSS also backed the Uttar Pradesh government's decision to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the alleged irregularities. Hosabale noted that the SIT had been formed at the request of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust and that legal proceedings had been initiated on the basis of its recommendations.
The controversy over the alleged theft of temple donations has emerged as a politically sensitive issue for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), particularly with the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections due early next year.
The matter is also expected to feature prominently during an RSS meeting scheduled to be held in Karnataka from 10 July. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), an affiliate of the RSS that spearheaded the campaign for the construction of the Ram Temple, is also closely monitoring developments surrounding the case.
